The Director-General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Dr Obi Adigwe, has announced a decisive shift in Nigeria’s health policy, with the Federal Government now taking bold steps to develop and commercialise phytomedicines.
Adigwe, in an interview with NAN on SUNDAY, described the new commitment as a significant break from decades of neglect and political lip service to traditional medicine.
“This administration is showing real seriousness. A ministerial committee has been set up specifically for the development and commercialisation of phytomedicines, and NIPRD is leading the charge,” he stated.
Phytomedicines—plant-based treatments like agbo, magani, and ogwu igbo—have long been part of Nigeria’s traditional healing culture. Though widely used, with about 70–75% of Nigerians depending on them during illness, the sector has historically lacked institutional support.
“For years, all we got was rhetoric. Now, we’re seeing bold, concrete steps. I must commend the Ministers of Health for this renewed drive,” Adigwe said.
He cited NIPRD’s impressive track record, including the development of a sickle cell remedy from indigenous plants and the global attention it received during the COVID-19 pandemic for scientifically analysing Madagascar’s COVID Organics preparation.
“That analysis saved Nigeria millions of dollars and protected the country from investing in unverified products. It also positioned us as a global leader in herbal research,” he added.
The newly inaugurated committee comprises experts from academia, the pharmaceutical industry, traditional medicine practitioners, the public sector, and the diaspora. According to Adigwe, its inclusive nature supports a whole-of-government approach aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Presidential Initiative to Unlock the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC).
“We’re not just developing products in silos. We’re connecting agriculture, SMEs, trade, investment, and foreign partnerships—everything needed to turn phytomedicines into engines of both health and economic growth,” he said.
Drawing comparisons with China and India, where traditional medicines are multi-billion dollar industries, Adigwe believes Nigeria can replicate that success with the right policy backing, research investment, and philanthropic support.
He also called on wealthy Nigerians to think beyond food donations and emulate global health philanthropists like John Rockefeller by funding scientific research.
“Our billionaires can create long-lasting legacies by investing in medical research. Imagine the impact of developing the next global herbal treatment from Nigeria,” he urged.
Adigwe said the framework under development will benefit not just NIPRD, but also the country’s over 200 universities, more than 150 pharmaceutical manufacturers, and millions who rely on herbal remedies.
To ensure national participation, he encouraged all Nigerians to contribute their voices through a public survey hosted on NIPRD’s website.
“If you’ve ever used agbo or ogwu igbo, your experience matters. We want everyone to participate. Visit www.niprd.gov.ng and fill the questionnaire,” he said.
With this move, Nigeria appears ready to reimagine its healthcare future by embracing its indigenous knowledge—now backed by science.
